Cybersecurity refers to the protection of networks, systems, and programs from attacks. True security is not only responsive; that is, it doesn’t only tightens protection around areas where your system has been compromised before but also anticipates, pre-empts, and prevents new kinds of attacks. This means you’ll need to spread these security layers across all parts of your system.
With the coming of various assistive technologies, it has become relatively easy to create aesthetically pleasing and smooth web designs. What remains a core deliverable is working on vulnerabilities in any aspect of your web design.
To be ahead of cybercriminals and ensure that your design covers the important bases, here are some things to factor in:
1. Engage A Security Expert
A security expert will know how to identify potential vulnerabilities in your website’s design and recommend the appropriate steps to mitigate them. They will also likely know which threats are more prevalent and the best practices to prevent them.
For example, when having your website and IT infrastructure secured by Tenecom, they will help you set up a unique preventative maintenance program to ensure the system not only starts well, but continues to run well.
Before you engage a security expert, you should remember to check their credentials and experience. Ask for references and testimonials from colleagues. Consider working with a security expert specializing in your specific industry or niche. This will ensure that they understand better the unique security risks your website may face.
2. Comply With State Policies
There are policies that apply to almost all industries everywhere, then those that are very location specific. Some of those that cover a large number of countries, and hence you may need to check first, include:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The GDPR is a regulation introduced by the European Union to protect the personal data of EU citizens. It applies to all websites collecting or processing data from EU citizens, regardless of location. The regulation requires website owners to obtain explicit user consent to collect and process their data. It also mandates website owners implement appropriate security measures to protect user data.
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
PCI DSS is a group of safety rules created by big credit card businesses to make sure that companies taking credit card payments keep everything secure. Compliance with PCI DSS is mandatory for all merchants who accept credit card payments. The standard requires website owners to implement appropriate security measures to protect credit card data.
Also, research the applicable laws and regulations in your specific country or region before launching your website and then complying with them. Potential areas to look out for may include, but aren’t limited to, policies around:
- Responding to a data breach
- Backing up your data
- Disaster recovery
- Network security
Knowing if your website is adhering to relevant regulations is an important part of a robust pre-website-launch checklist. Make sure you tick all the boxes.
3. Establish Strict Password Policies
Passwords are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Establishing strict password policies can help mitigate this risk. Some password rules that you can enforce are:
- Password Complexity: Require users to create passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Password Length: Require users to create passwords of at least 12 characters long. The chances of someone randomly guessing your long password are slim.
- Password Expiration: Require users to change their passwords regularly. This will protect you in the event that someone does gain access to your password. It limits the timeframe and extent of your vulnerability.
Generally, the harder you make it for someone to randomly crack your password or to access it through some weakness on your end, the better and safer you are.
4. Use SSL Encryption
SSL encryption, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a user’s browser and a website’s server. It ensures that sensitive information about your users, such as login credentials and payment information, is protected from abuse by cybercriminals. SSL encryption is indicated by the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
You’ll need to get an SSL certificate from a reputable organization in order to implement SSL encryption on your website to make sure your site is as safe as it can be for its users. Some web hosting services provide the certificate as part of their hosting package. If your provider is one of these, then you don’t need to worry.
5. Adjust Your Website’s CMS Settings
The content management system (CMS) for your website is an effective tool for managing the functionality and content of your website. If not configured properly, it can also be a source of vulnerabilities. Adjusting your website’s CMS settings can help mitigate these risks.
Some CMS settings that you need to pay attention to are:
- User Permissions: Limit user permissions to only what is necessary. This will ensure that users cannot access sensitive areas of your website that they don’t need to.
- Update Frequency: Keep your CMS up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This will ensure that any known vulnerabilities are patched.
- Plugins And Add-ons: Only use trusted plugins and add-ons from reputable sources. Avoid using outdated or unsupported plugins and add-ons, as this can be considered a weak spot.
A CMS that runs on default settings and isn’t adjusted during design (or at any point) is almost as open and vulnerable as a Wi-Fi network without a password and no added security layer. Make relevant adjustments dependent on your CMS and any added specific threats.
Conclusion
Your website’s security is, ultimately, your business security. Any attacks on your site will affect your user, and when your user is affected, the spine of your business has weakened. You want to protect your users and yourself actively by considering safety as you design your website.
